What better way for an insight into the British Army than through the eyes of its soldiers.
Arm them with a camera; be that a top-of-the-range SLR in the hands of one of its professional photographers, a more modest point and shoot belonging to an enthusiast, or simply a smartphone whipped out at just the right moment and what you get is a unique vision of life among the ranks.
That is precisely what the Army Photographic Competition 2025 has revealed in truly remarkable set of images.
The winning portfolios in both professional and amateur categories blended the pomp and ceremony of the Army showcasing Britain at its majestic best with the more familiar visions of grit and determination on the faces of those pushed to their limits.
Canadian hit singer and song-writer Bryan Adams, himself a highly accomplished photographer, was among the select panel of judges with the unenviable task of selecting the winners and runners up.
He was joined by the Army’s Assistant Chief of the General Staff Major General Paul Griffiths, the Royal Logistic Corps Colonel Col Jacqueline Powell, the Army’s Command Master Photographer WO1 Baz Lloyd, conflict curator and archivist Hilary Roberts, and Graeme Main long-standing Chief Photographer at Soldier Magazine.
Bryan Adams has a proud family history of service in the British Army; both his grandfathers served in the Royal Engineers, and his father served, having graduated from the Royal Military Academy before moving to Canada.
Speaking of the competition, he said:
“Being asked to judge this year’s competition is an honour as my father and grandfathers all served in the British Army. Picking a winner was hugely challenging, and there could only be one in each category, so my congratulations to everyone who entered.”
Epitomising the breadth and variety of military activity the competition captured, the image of the year winner could not have contrasted more from that of the runner up. Sergeant Donald Todd’s behind the scenes sensitive portrayal of a young soldier of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery washing down her charger invites the viewer to share what appears to be an intimate yet humorous moment.
